How Do We React to Impending Storms — Is it Appropriate or Too Much Hype?

Whenever there's a storm headed our way, we respond in a number of ways. Many Houstonians heed warnings of public officials to shelter in place if the storm is particularly serious. Others flaunt such warnings and make up their own minds about how dangerous a coming storm may be. Some media seek to explain what's happening in a calm, measured way. Others breathlessly report every little wind gust. Some of us go on social media and engage in groupthink and hype the storm of the century…of the week. Others go on social media and chastise those participating in the hype.

As a community, how do we Houstonians do in the event of weather emergencies. Do we prepare properly, overreact, or not take them seriously enough? We talk with Dr. Lee Miller, an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at Sam Houston State University.